Tamzin Outhwaite to replace Amanda Redman in New Tricks

The former EastEnders actress will join Dennis Waterman, Denis Lawson and Nicholas Lyndhurst for the hit drama's tenth series

Tamzin Outhwaite has joined the cast of New Tricks as DCI Sacha Millard, the new head of the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad (UCOS). Replacing Amanda Redman's character DCI Sandra Pullman as boss of the fictional organisation made up of retired police officers, Outhwaite will appear alongside current cast members Dennis Waterman, Denis Lawson and fellow new addition Nicholas Lyndhurst in the tenth series of the hit BBC drama.

Described as "strong and not afraid to confront a situation", Outhwaite's character will need her wits about her to keep an eye on her new team's unorthodox case-solving methods. Speaking of her new role, the former EastEnders actress said she is "delighted to be joining the cast at such an exciting time - I've been a huge fan of the show for years - and can't wait to be working with the amazing cast and crew."

Executive producer Richard Burrell added, "Having another popular and talented actress to lead the team is fantastic for us and the viewing public. The combination of Tamzin, Dennis Waterman, Denis Lawson and Nicholas Lyndhurst ensures that the audience will continue to enjoy the antics of UCOS as they enter their second decade of pursuing justice for the victims of unsolved crimes in their own inimitable way."

Outhwaite's addition to the cast coincides with the departures of Alun Armstrong and Amanda Redman who are both due to leave the series after the upcoming tenth series. As the current boss of UCOS, Redman's character will appear in the first eight episodes this autumn, with Outhwaite's character set to join for the final two instalments.

New Tricks began filming its latest run last year with a special two-part opening episode set in Gibraltar, and is currently shooting the remaining episodes on location in London.